Happy are those who have the kingdom of God, even if they lack much on earth, and the most pitiful are those who do not have the kingdom, even if they have abundance for a short time now.

In a series of controversies with the religious leaders, Jesus revealed the nature of the Kingdom of God and how he would bring it to the world.

In three related episodes, Jesus demonstrated his authority to forgive our sins.

Having defended himself from the devil’s temptations, Jesus went on the offensive as the one anointed to deliver people from sin and oppression.

As the second Adam and the faithful Israel, Jesus resisted temptation and so can help us when we are tempted.

In the next pair of sections about John and Jesus, Luke reported that the Word of God came upon John, and the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus.

The extraordinary events in Jerusalem and the mundane events in Nazareth reveal Jesus' uniqueness and his ordinariness.

We need to look again at the familiar story of Jesus’ birth to see the many connections with past promises and their coming fulfillment.

John’s birth and Zechariah’s prophecy pointed to the greatest manifestation of God’s mercy ever.

Although the son of Elizabeth would be great, the son of Mary would be even greater!